A leading expert in high-school journalism education and a partner in one of America’s largest law firms are joining the volunteer governing board of the Student Press Law Center.

The SPLC, a Washington, D.C.-based advocate for First Amendment rights and open government in colleges and schools, unanimously elected Chicago journalism teacher Logan Aimone and Washington, D.C., litigation attorney Joe Esposito to serve on the Center’s 15-member board effective Jan. 1.

“We’re overjoyed to put such a diversified and deeply talented lineup in place for this critical period where the Student Press Law Center is at the center of an urgent national dialogue over the need for a renewed civic commitment to journalistic values and standards,” said attorney Frank D. LoMonte, executive director of the SPLC. “With this leadership team, we are optimally prepared to take on the challenge of solidifying free expression and government transparency in uncertain times, a task that must start with our schools and colleges.”

Since 1974, the Student Press Law Center has been devoted to educating high school and college journalists about the rights and responsibilities embodied in the First Amendment, and supporting the student news media in covering important issues free from censorship. The SPLC is a donor-supported IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit, providing free legal and educational resources online at www.splc.org.